Hello: I am a 57 year old who is seeking to travel abroad an...

Dear Joseph,
First l would like to begin by congratulating you on wanting to spread the Christian faith in Asia. Being Jewish we have a little different ideas on faith but i wish that many here had some, i have actually talked to some people about Jesus as it is so truly needed for so many reasons. However, with this said there are some things you should be aware of. First in China preaching and Christian studies for the most part (anything not sanctioned by the government) could end up leaving you in a world of problems. In South Korea they are more open to the idea of faith and i have been informed that there are Christian Schools in South Korea. There is another issue of racism you must also be aware of. In South Korea they have a stronger tenancy to be more standoffish with anyone of a dark completion. In China they share the same issue, for different reasons. However in China if you are in the bigger cities like, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Gondong you would have less problems. Korea also has more issues against Westerners where China have more of an Open arm policy right now. If you need anything else feel free to let me know, happy to help. Good luck and have fun when your traveling. (Also, many places will take you regardless of your age, as long as your education or experience is enough)

Thank you for your response. I think that I will end up teaching in Guangzhou which I understand is somewhat more acceptable. Please let me know about your experience in travels while not teaching as well as what I should consider to make the best of my first days in China. Can you also give me advice on banking, clothes to bring, etc. Thanks again

When you are older ( we are the same age) it is best to just show up so that they can see you in person. Bring lots of copies of your resume and do your internet homework first. Then they can see if you seem "old" and worn out or not. I hope you are a native speaker because in many cases that is the most important qualification.

Thank you for the response. I have since be blessed with employment in China where I will begin March 1. I have a one year contract and will continue to review my ongoing employment opportunities. Thank you again. BTW I am a native speaker.

Hi Joseph
I sent a message to you at an other forum but I add a few comments here. I see that you are going to Guangzhou. There it is hot there in the summer and damp in the winter. I have found a few Chinese Christians and I have been in a couple of Roman Catholic churches in one provincal capital. The Catholic church is controled by the govt there. I have found that many Chinese will want to talk about Christianity but try not to take on any preaching as Di is correct with his comments. You will be treat like a star at first and then you need to show what you can do in the classroom. You will be able to make some great friends during your stay there. Good luck to you.

In the TEFL world be prepared for racial and age discrimination. I have seen actual ads telling black people not to apply and others who have written that you are too old. Good luck!

Hi Joseph
Do not even consider schools which place adverts with age restrictions. In variably they are not managed by professional school managers but tend to be "business investments" looking for young " clown around" teachers that will make their students laught etc. This is a trait in Asia and yes it is rediculous and no laws exist to counter this ageist and racist system.I do not mean this as a slur on young teachers, it is not them that instigate such nonsense but the mismanaged unprofessional schools themselves. If you actually took a job with such a school then later they will start blaming you for any woe´s that they encounter. Regarding your religion, do a google search on targetted Asian countries, e.g Taiwan, Korea, Japan etc and search for schools founded, financed and managed by a religious body or charity, many of them exist and would be delighted to employ you regardless of age etc. Be careful of China, even now the communist government which currently pretends to be socialist puts a clause in work and visa contracts in which they forbid you to practice your religion or promote it to the locals.